Goats, goats, we have goats! The enthusiasm that the Camp Harlam community has shown for the growing Farm program has exceeded anything that we could have expected. As Harlam welcomed hundreds of campers and staff into our gates, we also welcomed 2 goats and 10 chickens for the summer. The opportunity to teach the next generation about healthy, ethical, and sustainable techniques to raise animals has been embraced by campers and staff in a way that only a camp setting could provide.

We are happy to share with the greater Harlam Community that we have chosen the names Cocoa and Beans for our goats. These names are more than just a cute introduction to the animals. They serve as a gateway into bigger conversations and questions about sustainability and environmental protections in both our everyday lives and the world around us. According to a 2018 article published by Forbes the cocoa plant, from which natural chocolate is derived, may be going extinct by 2050 due to a combination of fungal diseases and climate change.

The opportunity to talk to campers about the real life impacts of climate change is part of the mission of  Teva at Camp Harlam. The Jewish mission of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) goes hand-in-hand with contemporary climate change education. Thinking about what we eat and where it comes from can be taught in the Garden and Farm. Thinking about how we interact with natural spaces, such as the mantra “leave no trace” or consequences of deforestation and habitat loss can be considered and discussed with our Teva Rangers. An introduction to Israeli culture and teamwork are offered in the Tzofim (scouts) program.

Teva is also excited to be part of the conversation on sustainability at camp, including the implementation of a compost collection system at camp to help reduce the amount of food waste in the Chadar Ochel (Dining Hall). Composting can also help Camp have more resources for the Garden this summer and in summers to come. We’re all looking forward to a great 2019 summer and summers to come!

Abe Plautt is returning to camp for his 12th summer! This is his 3rd summer as part of the Teva staff and 1st year as an Assistant Supervisor. He just finished his second year at Indiana University, where he is studying both jazz trumpet and sociology.